IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) Volume 25, Issue 5, Series. 1 (May. 2020) 33-41 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845. www.iosrjournals.org

Human life versus the Culture of Death:Kidnapping, and Fulani Herdsmen ( A Case Study in )

Ignatius Nnaemeka Onwuatuegwu PhD Philosophy Department Faculty of Arts Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka

Abstract: This paper examined human life versus the culture of death: kidnapping, Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmen and their activities in Nigeria. The negative effect of kidnapping and other associated vices is becoming unbearable not onlyto Nigerians but to the international community. This has led to a high level of fearwhich threatens the economic prosperity, political climate, business and general climate of the country. The study examined concepts of kidnapping, Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen, their activities and incidents of attacks. The overall implication of the culture of death caused by the nefarious activities has led to a worsened market structure leading to loss of jobs, displacement of workers and loss of value for human lives. Recommendations were made on how this incidence of death could be tackled to improve the economic condition of the country and as well as value human lives. Some of the recommendations are that there should be an application of appropriate sanctions on every perpetrator of these evil acts, there should be fair and equal distribution of resources, there should be diversification of economy for creation of employment opportunities and that the youth should be equipped with appropriate skills and training for entrepreneurial development. Keywords: Culture of death, Life, Boko Haram, Fulani Herdsmen, Insecurity, Kidnapping. ------Date of Submission: 25-04-2020 Date of Acceptance: 08-05-2020 ------

I. INTRODUCTION The Nigerian nation is so blessed with diverse cultural heritage that is being celebrated at different times across the nation. These cultural celebrations are being made possible by human beings who hold tenaciously to their cultural heritage to the point that it is being passed down to their children. It is therefore worrisome to note that in recent times, the once valued cultural heritage is beginning to fade not just as a result of civilization but as a result of the decline on the value placed on human lives. It is of no use celebrating cultural heritage and monuments when the lives of the people are in gross danger of attacks and threats in most times of celebration. Attacks have also been seen to be carried out any time prior celebrations. These attacks manifest in death, kidnapping, militancy byBoko Haram sect groups, Niger Delta Militants and Avengers in the nation. These set of attackers do not have values for human lives, and this had made it possible for less value to be placed on human lives. The effect of kidnapping on human lives is significantly on the increase daily that it is a significant concern to everyone in the society and not only in the Nigerian context but also of concern to the global community. The scourge of kidnapping has made it impossible for investors to have total trust in investing in the nation because of the fear of being kidnapped or even killed. This directly or indirectly affects the smooth operation of the economy. The nation is no longer a safe because of the insecurity challenges brought about by kidnapping and other social vices likeBoko Haram insurgency, herdsmen attacks, militancy and avengers attacks in the Niger Delta region of the country. Boko Haram sects have been involved in many attacks in the nation to the point of destroying lives and properties. These destructions manifest in bombs explosion that claims lives, and this portends that human lives are of no value than just to be wasted at the altar of death.Government institutions were not left out in the attacks by the Boko Haram members,and they later launched their attacks onreligious centres which led to the destruction of lives and properties worth tens of millions. There was alsothe case of the suicide bombing of the United Nations Secretariat at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on August 26, 2011,and as well as an attack on Nigerian Police Force Headquarters which took place on June 16 of the same year (Ovaga, 2013). The Fulani herdsmen are known to settle on lands that are fertile to support their animals and most of the time makes them move from one place to another in search of better land to support the survival of their livestock. These movements had led to conflict on several occasions that degenerated into the loss of lives and properties. The conflicts are major as a result of herdsmen encroaching on farmlands to destroy crops that have been planted either for consumption or commercial purposes.The destruction of the farmlands is not only the major concern, but the major concern is that the attacks of these herdsmen have so resulted in a fatal attack like

DOI: 10.9790/0837-2505013341 www.iosrjournals.org 33 |Page Human life versus the Culture of Death:Kidnapping, Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmen ( A Case .. raping, killing and kidnapping by these Fulani herdsmen. There are reported cases on news media on how these groups now launch an attack to displace communities with sophisticated weapons and guns like the dreaded AK-47.The studies by Okereke (2012) andKasarachi (2016) revealed that grievous conflict occurred between Fulani herdsmen and farmersthat resulted in the loss of lives, worthy properties and destruction of a vast expanse of arable agriculturalfarmlands which led toa severe threat to food security as farmers because of fear nolonger go to the farm and harvest their farm produce. Niger Delta militant group and avengers are another set of people that have caused much havoc to the human population in Nigeria. The activities of these groups are so violent that things were never the same in the region. Experts are being kidnapped either for a ransom or being wasted on the altar of death, a sign that human lives were not valued by the groups. Most of the times, these groups claimed they are fighting for the common good of their communities which government have abandoned to focus on the development of other regions, but it is worrisome to note that most times their acclaimed agitation leads to theft, destruction, rape, kidnapamong others. It is therefore vital to know that these human activities are making the nation move backwards in terms of development and as such cannot compete favourably amidst the League of Nations. This is one of the major reasons we have remained as developing nations where we have all it takes to be first world countries. It is also imperative to note that these vices highlighted in this study, coupled with other vices in the nation have kept us in this level of ours.It is on the stated premises that this paper sought to examine the human life in comparisonto the culture of death, kidnapping, Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen in the Nigerian society.

II. CONCEPTUALIZING KIDNAPPING Kidnapping has been defined by numerous authors with diverselevel of outcome. Inyang and Abraham (2013) defined kidnapping as “the forcible seizure, taking away and unlawful detention of a person against his/her will. It is common law perpetration, and the majorissue is that it is not wantedby the victim”. Fage and Alabi (2017) defined kidnapping as “forceful or fraudulent seizure of an individual or a group of individuals for economic, political and religious reasons” and it could be as a result of the fight for struggle. It was admitted by the authors that the individuals who were forcefully or fraudulently abducted were heldas hostages to geta ransom. This shows that apart from political reasons, economic factors are the major reason that moves people into kidnapping.Uzorma and Nwanegbo-Ben (2014), also defined kidnapping as the “act of seizing and detaining or taking away a person with the use of unlawful force or through fraudulent means requiring the payment of a ransom. It has to do with the process of taking a person away from their family through the use of force and without their consent in order to make moneyfrom their family. It can be deduced that kidnapping has no precise definition, but it can be inferred that it involves forceful detention and coercive movement of a victim (adult or child) from one place to another. Kidnapping is a new order ofcrime that is currently affecting the country.According to a 2013 survey on global crimetrends, the Nigerian Police recorded 277, 309, 703, 738 and 600 in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012 respectively (UnitedNations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2014).Freedom House (2014) reported that Nigeriahad one of the highest issues ofkidnapping in the globe in 2013. The South-East and South-South regions are recorded tohave the highest number of kidnapping issues, and it was stated that about 600 personswere kidnapped between January 2007 andMay 2010 (Thom-Otuya, 2010). Thisstated number is but not a real figure as the cases of kidnapping are mostly under-reported, andso it is glaring that the exact number of kidnappings is greatlyhigher than available records presented by the police (TheEconomist, 2014). Every zone of the country has witnessed and still experiences a high degree of kidnapping, which has been seen as a money-making venture as ransom is involved; kidnapping kingpins such asthe notorious Nigerian kidnapper, ChukwudiDumemeOnuamadike (popularly known asEvans) who was nabbed by thepolice was noted to be making fortunes through the business of kidnapping (Vanguard, 2017).

Origin and Statistics of the Incidence of Kidnapping in Nigeria Kidnapping has now become a popular word as a result of itsprevalence in thecountry.The literary usage of the word had made itnotoriouswhen it is heardby everyone. It is derived from “kid”which means child and “nab” which means to snatch (Ngwama, 2014). Adewale (2009) cited in Ngwama (2014)stated thatkidnapping has appeared to be of great concern in Nigeria. Kidnapping is as old asthe word itself. The reason for kidnapping may differ from country to country. Since 1673, the world has effectively allowed for stealing of children for as servants or labourers in the American colonies. This portends that kidnapping means any unlawful capture or detention of a person (s) against their will, age notwithstanding. The kidnappers have been found to involve in this act of criminality for reasons ranging from unemployment, idleness, vengeance, rituals, monetary gains and political reasons.The first act of kidnapping in Nigeria took place in 2006 when the militants of the Niger Delta protested the inequality in their region. The militants stated that Nigeria is built at the expense of the region, which is bringing in more income to the whole country at their detriment.They kicked off by abducting government expatriates to kidnapping men of God and

DOI: 10.9790/0837-2505013341 www.iosrjournals.org 34 |Page Human life versus the Culture of Death:Kidnapping, Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmen ( A Case .. theirchildren, Nigerian politicians and their children and religious leaders. Reuters (2009) cited in Ngwama (2014)noted that an entire of512 kidnapping case was reported in 2009and up 353 for all of 2008. It was noted that the majority of the kidnappings took place in the south-east and Niger Delta regions, which is the home of the biggest oil and gas industries. Most of the people kidnappedwere released without being harmed after the exchange for a ransom. South-Eastern Nigeria (Abia State) had most incidents with 110 people taken hostage and were all released while police arrested 70 suspects linked with the kidnapping.Group of perpetrators took advantage of the breakdown in law and order to get any high rankedexperts or Nigerianthat could do away with large some of ransom (Ngwama, 2014) Kidnapping has been on the rise in Nigeria. A statistical record showed that more than 1,000 kidnapping occurrence happened a year in Nigeria, and many are not recorded (Catlin Group, 2012). The British government stated that at least 25 British and dual British citizens and more than 200 other foreign nationals had been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area in January 2007 alone (Bello and Jamilu, 2017). That is why Fage and Alabi (2017) stated that one of the tools of militancy or insurgency in the Niger Delta is kidnapping.The unstable condition in the Niger Delta has made kidnapping to spread across the country. These kidnappings can either be for soliciting financial or political benefits. The victims of kidnapping used to be foreign oil workers, but nowadays many locals who are employees of international oil and oil service companies are now targeted in as much they know their family members can pay for their release. In June 2012, police rescued international footballer, Christian Obodo who was abducted in front of a church (Catlin Group, 2012). There has been a high threat of kidnapping and other planned attacks on oil and gas facilities and workers. This is also applicable to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Niger Delta. In January 2012, kidnappers picked up a US citizen from his vehicle in Delta and maimed his security guard. In April 2012, criminals kidnapped a US worker in Imo State and a Spanish citizen in Enugu State in different attacks. In May 2012, kidnappersadopted an Italian national in Kwara State. On May 7, a Lebanese national was abducted in , and his Lebanese colleague was ruthlessly maimed. It was also reported that two engineers – one British and one Italian, were killed by their abductors in March 2012 when Nigerian security personneland British support made a move to rescue them. They had been withheld by Boko Haram for ten months (Catlin Group, 2012). Kidnappings of foreigners for ransom have been linked to Boko Haram. Some of the activities include the kidnapping of a French priest, Georges Vandebeusch, in November 2013 and a seven-member French family, which produced a ransom of USD 3 million. Both of these kidnappings took place in Cameroon (Barna, 2014). There have been attacks on schools; the massacre of students that are sleeping in hostels in February 2014 (Barna, 2014). On April 14, 2014, the sect also kidnapped 250 female students from Government Girl’s Secondary School ChibokBorno State (Shuaibu, Salleh, &Shehu, 2015). Ansaru, another sect has also been known to aimat Western nationals (kidnappings), Christians and the government. It is predominantly active in some of the northern states of Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Borno. Their existence was likened to that of al- Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) which made some believed that another potential leader of the organization is Khalid al-Barnawi, who was a member of AQIM who was trained in Algeria and it was also perceived that there was a link between the two organizations (Barna, 2014). Studies have revealed different forms of kidnapping in Nigeria. These forms includepolitical (Ene, 2018 cited in Omonijoet al., 2019); economic and financial (Bello and Jamila, 2017); religious, eithertraditional which include rituals, wealth or power (Asuquo, 2009 cited in Omonijoet al., 2019). Most of the incidences ofkidnapping took place on the road, where the security network is very poor (Bulwark Intelligence,2017 cited in Omonijoet al., 2019) as well some happenat the place of workand houses. Global Terrorism Index (2015) observed that between 2010 and 2013, Fulani herdsmen have reportedly killed about 80 people in total and by 2014 the number increased to 1,229 people and they posed asa threat to peace and stability. Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna and Katsina have been the major targets that have suffered violent attacks by the unrepentant Fulani herdsmen with violent attacks on human lives and property. The herdsmen are usually armed with sophisticated weapons and usually,launchunplanned attacks at a time the communities are unguided like midnight or on Sundays when they are in church and thus killing them in large numbers, setting their houses on fire and as well looting their properties (Michael, Inyang andUkpong, 2017). These increaseddangerousattacks have started happening more frequently in the southern states. There have been attacks in Rivers, Enuguand Ondo where a former presidential candidate, OluFalae was abducted from his farm by herdsmen for days. It is estimated that Nigeria loses about $14 billion every year to these clashes. In February 2016, about 300 people were killed, and about 7,000 persons were displaced in four communities in one local government area, Agatuin (Amaza, 2016). Despite the activities of security personnel in curbing kidnapping in Nigeria, the countrystill facesdiverse kidnapping threats regularly. Kidnapping in Nigeria has resulted in breaching of security and had become a growing money-making venture.Niger Delta states likeDelta, Edo and Abia have been at the forefront of kidnapping in the country.

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Kaduna has also become a hot zone for kidnapping. Bulwark Intelligence,Nigerian security intelligence, from January 2018 to September 2018, stated that the states that recorded the highest numbers of kidnapping were Kaduna, Rivers, AkwaIbom, Zamfara, and Katsina. The kidnapping was also noted to be done onthe sea and it predominantly common in the Niger Delta states where it led to increasing insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. It is deduced that criminal whose sole aim is profits are those behind the act of kidnapping(Williams and Don, 2019). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)used data generated from law enforcement agencies of member states and noted that 277 kidnappings were recorded in Nigeria in 2007; 309 recorded in 2008; 703 recorded in 2009; 738 recorded in 2010; 600 recorded in 2012, and 574 recorded in 2013. There was no data for 2011. In 2015, the Nigeria Police Force recorded 886 kidnappings. A total number of about 630 people were reportedly kidnapped between May 2016 and May 2017. A Bulwark Intelligence threat analysis showed there was stability in 2017 and 2018 in kidnapping figures. The kidnap of foreigners called for much attention as a great majority of the victims is Nigerian nationals. Highly placed individuals like businessmen, politicians, traditional leaders and their family members, including schoolchildren, religious leaders and public servants are the main targets, and also citizens are randomlykidnapped on the street. In May 2018, gunmen kidnapped 87 travellers from different vehicles along the Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna highway in Kaduna state, north- central Nigeria (Williams and Don, 2019). In 2009, the 36 states governors in Nigeria met in Abuja and asked the federal government to take the matter serious by enforcing strict punishment on the offenders backed up the law. In September 2017, the Senate passed a bill of the death sentence for kidnapping, unlawful restraint and confinement for ransom. Some states had laws against abduction and kidnapping. The laws passed by 16 out of the 36 worst-affected states prescribed capital punishment for kidnapping, especially where a victim had lost his life in the den of kidnappers. Kidnapping issues are not adequately reported in Nigeria.Some units of the federal police are saddled with the responsibility ofdealing with threats, and alsoinvolved are the anti-kidnapping units and the Intelligence Response Team. Numerousofficers have been posted to monitor the highway linking Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano to combat kidnapping along that road that has more number of incidents (Williams and Don, 2019).

The Origin and Activities of Boko Haram Sect in Nigeria Most of the operations of Boko Haramare carried out in the North-East of Nigeria.Despite the declaration of the state of emergency by the Federal government, the killings, bombings and kidnappings increased tremendously. The operations of the sect resulted in economic, social and psychological consequences inthe North-East Nigeria where they are concentrated. The sect was established to preach an Islamist ideology based on the doctrine of the Taliban as well as groups such as al-Qaeda in the year 2007. Their major goals include the willingness to set up an Islamic state in Nigeria and to put a stop to all regular schools (Anumudu, Asogwa, Eze&Anyanwu, 2015). The operations of the sect became visible when studentsin Borno and Yobe States, abandoned schools and tore their certificates to identify with the group. The members of the sect attacked the Bama and Gworze police stations in Borno State on September 21, 2004, with several police officerskilled and their arms and ammunition stolen (Anumudu, Asogwa, EzeandAnyanwu, 2015). The group continued their attacks unhindered on the security operatives in some parts ofBorno and Yobe until the anti-government uproar in July 2009. The uproar was as a result of the killing of one of the members of the sect on June 11, 2009, by the security personnel involved in operation flush 13. This was because members of the sectdid not put ona crash helmet on bikes on their way to a funeral procession. In retaliation, they attacked and destroyed the DustsenTanshiPolice Station on July 26. This led to a series of unrest throughout Bauchi, Borno, Kano, Kastina and Yobe States (Anumudu, Asogwa, EzeandAnyanwu, 2015). The uproar ended on July 30 when Mohammed Yusuf was arrested in his house. While in the custody of the police for a few hours, Yusuf was extra-judicially killed by the police and it was said by the police that he tried to escape. It was reported that over eight hundred members of the sect were killed and hundreds more were arrested (Onuoha cited in Anumudu, Asogwa, EzeandAnyanwu, 2015&Eme and Ugwu, 2016).After the 2009 arrest and uproar, Boko Haram lacked focus and went off for like one year and came back again in 2010 as a full-time terrorist group and attacked police, their stations and military barracks to avenge the allegedmaiming of Yusuf and other members (Awortu, 2015). The group also embarked on jailbreaks to free members and demanded the prosecution of people who killed Yusuf, release of detained comrades, restoration of its mosque that was destroyed and the compensation of members that were killed (Awortu, 2015). On the eve of the new year of 2010, a bomb was detonated in an open-air fish restaurant and market of the Mogadishu barracks, just outside Abuja, which killed ten people (Anyadike, 2013). Boko Haram launched an attack onthe prison and maimed about five security guards and freed over seven hundred (700) inmates that included former sect members in September 2010(Ogege, 2013). On the Eve of Christmas of the same year, six bombs were detonated near churches and markets in two districts of Jos Plateau State leaving scores of people dead. In the early months of 2011, the Boko Haram’s activities wentbeyond attacks on police and other

DOI: 10.9790/0837-2505013341 www.iosrjournals.org 36 |Page Human life versus the Culture of Death:Kidnapping, Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmen ( A Case .. authorities. In February 2011, a pharmacist in Maiduguri was murdered, and a large amount of cash and medical supplies were taken from the shop (Awortu, 2015). The sect needs money to run their activities, and this moved them to rob the banks, cash-in-transit convoys and businesses that are doing wellin Maiduguri and Bauchi. In April 2011, Boko Haram exploded four bombs in Maiduguri that led to the death of at least three persons (Ogege, 2013). In June 2011, Boko Haram bombed the National Police Headquarters in Abuja; a car loaded with explosive devices was driven into the compound of Louis Edet House, a block of offices and this left dozens of people dead (Awortu, 2015). In August 2011, a man also drove a car into the compound of the United Nations office in Abuja and denoted a massive bomb that led to the death of twenty-three people and injuringmany others (Anyadike, 2013). Boko Haram also attacked churches, and this led to the bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla outside Abuja on the Eve of Christmas (Emmanuel and Eme, 2017). Ogege (2013) stated that Boko Haram attacked some southerners in Mubi and killed about thirteen Igbos on January 6, 2012. In January 2012 three groups of gunmen and suicide bombers attacked three government buildings in Kano – the police headquarters, the office of the immigration services and state security service and left more than two hundred people dead (Awortu, 2015). In February 2012, a bomb blast also hit St. Finbars Church Rayfield in Jos near the government house, and 19 people were left dead. Others include the office of This Day Newspaper in Abuja and Kaduna, the Catholic Chapel in Bayero University, Kano and Cattle market in Yobe State that left dozens of people dead (Awortu, 2015). The attacks of Boko Haram continued unhindered in 2013. On January 20, Boko Haram laid an ambush on a Nigerian Army Convoy in Kogi State and killed 2 officers and left 8 others injured (Ogege, 2013). In the same month, at least 8 civilians were killed in Maiduguri on January 23, from the report of gunfire from parts of the city. On March 18, 2013, a suicide bomber suspected to be Boko Haram also attacked a bus station in areasdominated by Christiansin Kano and killed 41 passengers and injured dozens. On June 16, 2013, a team of suspected Islamist militants attacked a school in Damaturu and killed 13 people,including students and teachers (Ogege, 2013). There have been increased incidences of Boko Haram attacks in different parts of Northern Nigeria in 2014. On Monday, April 14, there was a bomb blast in Nyanya District of Abuja and killed about 75 people and left not less than 215 others injured. On the same day, on the night of 14 – 15 April 2014, over 250 school girlswere abducted from Government Girls Secondary in Chibok, Borno State by the Boko Haram group (Gilbert 2014). On May 5, 2014, about 300 people were killed in the night, and 11 more girls were kidnapped in GamboruNgala border town with Cameroun (Obamwonyi&Owenvbiugie 2015). On June 3, 2014, 100 people were maimed in three villages of Attagara, AgapaLawa and Aganjara in Gworza local government area of Borno State and also on July 4, 2014, 45 people were killed by the sect and injured many in Bargari village in Konduga Local Government Area of the same state (Obamwonyi &Ownevbiugie, 2015).

The Origin and Activities of Fulani Herdsmen in Nigeria As atMarch 19, 2019, it was reported that the Fulani herdsmen religio-organizational terrorists hadkilled over 6,000 Nigerian Christians, especially women and children (Zaimov, 2019). As ofMay 28, 2016, both Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmen had maimed a total of 3,094 Nigerians (Adaoye & Alagbe, 2016). It was further revealed that over 1,200 were killed by the Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria in 2014. This made the Fulani herdsmen be the world’s fourth deadliest terrorist group. In February 2016, farmers were attacked in Benuewith over 300 people killed (BBC, 2016). In April 2016, there was another attack in Nimbo, Enugu State, Eastern-Nigeria that leftover 40 peopledead andproperties worth millions of naira destroyed. Thousandsof peopleleft their homes, and many children were made orphans. Fulani herdsmen killed hundreds of people invarious parts of Nigeria like Plateau, Adamawa, Benue, Kogi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Enugu States andothers (Punch, 2016).Olayoku (2014) reported that about 615 violent deaths had been recorded in the database of Nigerian Watch andabout 61,314 casualties that were described as violent. According to theresearcher, in 2008, 31 cases of cattle conflict were reported, and in 2009, the casualtiesincreased to 83, especially in the Northern . Joseph (2012) stated that about 500 cows were lost by the Fulani herdsmen. There were also violent cases in 2013, and about 115 casualties were reported. Several communitiesbecame intolerable of the Fulani herdsmen who have been resembledBoko Haram insurgents in operation. Also, in Uzaar in Tombo, Anyii in Logo and Vase in Ukum Local Government Areas (LGA) of Benue State, 8 and 12 persons were respectively attacked by the Fulani herdsmen (Duru, 2016). Attacks also happened in the early year of 2019 in Benue, Taraba, Nassarawa, Zamfara, Katsina, and the Kaduna States. In the middle of 2019, there were Fulani herdsmen religio-organizational attacks and killings as follows: Kaduna State – 20 killed, Nassarawa State – 40 killed, Benue State – 20 killed, Kogi State – 18 killed and Anambra State – 6 killed (Shellnut, 2019).

Causes of Kidnapping, Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmen Activities in Nigeria Kidnapping, Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmenare grievous criminal offence and activities that are too complex to be handled carelessly.It happens for diverse reasons. The following are outlined causes in Nigeria:

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Leadership Failure The calibre of leaders we have in the country has failed in their responsibilities, and this has exposed the country to its porous nature, making things not go normal. The styles of leadership employed by our leaders are not to write home about as it is only known to produce poor leadership. Our leaders are so selfish to the point that the welfare of the citizen in terms of security is not their major concern. All they do is to be concerned about holding to the seat of power as long as they wanted, and this is throwing the country to unnecessary confusion in terms of being a secured state. They no longer place value on human lives as they used to be in the past where human lives are so much valued above every other thing. The culture of death through these deadly activities has become the order of the day, with increased gangs’ springing forth daily without being checked.We can, therefore, link continued activities to failure on the part of our leaders who failed to do the needful in terms of securing lives and properties.

Poor security system A government whose priority is no longer on human lives would no longer do much to salvage the poor security system in the country. Our security outfits are no longer performing to expectation due to the attitude of our leaders in terms of equipping the security unit with adequate equipment. It is also noticed that there are lots of personnel that are not competent enough to function maximally in the duty they are called to do, and some of them have been compromised. They work directly or indirectly with kidnappers in terms of sharing sensitive information and equipments, which helps the kidnappers in smooth operations.

Unemployment Unemployment is another major cause of these deadly activities in Nigeria. All year-round, the higher institutions of learning in Nigeria churn out thousands of graduates to the labour market where there is no availability of jobs to serve everyone round and most people, out of frustration resort into crimes like kidnapping to fend for themselves. The government of the day makes matter worst by not having a plan to provide jobs for the teeming graduates every year-round. The only thing that can be seen is the children of the highly placed politicians being employed, and it is for this reason that those that do not know anyone to help, go into the business of disturbing highly placed individuals who they claimed made them unemployed because they failed to make provision for jobs. They rather concentrate on helping themselves. There is also the issue of empowerment where the government does not provide necessary resources for the empowerment; all they do is half baked empowerment.

Loss of societal value There have been an erosion of values in the society and thus loss of the values that were once held sacred by the people. The once valued culture like respect, love for human lives, hard work and friendlinessare no longer in vogue today; rather, it has been replaced by a culture of death. Human lives are no longer valuable as they are now being treated unworthily. The society we now live celebrates criminals in place of honest men, and this has made the majority of the citizen not to value hard work, but instead, they cut corners all in the name of being heard as shakers and movers in the country. People who have been tried and indicted for criminal cases now parade themselves for elective positions and they win without any form of hindrances. This is how bad our society values have been eroded on the altar of sentiments. Hate speech is becoming part of our lives as a nation where everyone says something and get away with it untried. The culture of being studious has eroded completely as many no longer take their academics serious, and this is evident in the quality of graduates produced. We now have crops of graduates that cannot effectively defend the certificates they carry. Gone are the days when certificates are issued based on character and learning as it has now become the issue of buying your way through school. It is very pathetic that the culture of quality is gradually declining in every sector of the economy.

Consequences of Kidnapping, Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmen Activities in Nigeria The following are the consequences of these deadly activities: Work Place Insecurity These deadly activities affect the productivity of the workforce in the workplace. In a situation where kidnapping, attacks by Boko Haramare very rampant, the people working would not concentrate fully in their operations as they would be scared of impending attacks. The issue of workplace that is not secured makes it difficult for employees to give their best in terms of productivity. The right of workers to freely move has been hampered by the activities of the groups as they can no longer go about their duty without fear of being abducted. The leisure time or free periods at the workplace are no longer free from the fear of attackers. It therefore very important these rights are restored with the provision of the adequate security network. The workplace is supposed to be a haven for maximum productivity.

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Sociological Consequences The society we live in is a society for interactions among individuals that make up the society. The level of interaction determines how healthy society is patterned. When there are adverse interactions, there would be rancour and disharmony in society. The negative interactions are what brought about kidnapping and other social menaces that are hampering the peace of the citizen. When there are positive interactions, there would be peaceful coexistence in the society, and it is with positive interactions, that the activities of the deadly groups could be nipped in the bud. Trust is another major ingredient of interactions; a person that shows him or herself trusted is one of those contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of the society and reverse is the case for anyone with trust issues.

Economic Consequences It has been revealed by research that economy is the bedrock of national development ((Famoye, 2015)and the activities of manpower in any economy that is coming up are very important. It is crucial to note that an economy can thrive very well on an environment that is free of rancour. Kidnapping and other deadly attacks can weaken the economic structure of the country as it hampers on every activity involved in the production of goods and services. With the incidence of these deadly activities, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria could be affected. These effects could lead to loss of jobs, loss of foreign investments and investors and major sectors like hospitality, tourism, and human capital development could be affected. All these, in turn, affect the economy.

Destabilization of Labour Market Kidnapping and these deadly activities can lead to the destabilization of the labour market as many workers could no longer stand the stress of being tossed about by the incidence of kidnapping and deadly attacksdaily. Many resorts to resignation to protect their dignity and lives. These leakages make the labour market porous and unattractive to new entrants. The destabilization of the Nigerian labour market as a result of kidnapping has caused unnecessary hardship to workers and members of their family.

Reduced Food Security Food security is also hampered as a result of continued attacks between farmers and Fulani Herdsmen. It has reduced the production of agricultural products. The pastoralists see settled farmers as their enemies that threaten their survival and destiny. On the other hand, the farmers see the herdsmen as invaderswho destroy their farm products. This brings about an atmosphere of enmity, which affects peaceful coexistence in these communities.

III. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS The lives that used to be cherished in the country have now been jeopardized as a result of the nefarious activities of violent sects in the country. The major operations of these groups centres on the destruction of properties and wastes of human lives. They have come to introduce the culture of death. From the foregoing, one could deduce that the causes of this unrest do not just start today, but there is a call to re-evaluate and bringing a lasting solution to the loss of lives through the activities of the various groups discussed in this paper.The issues of peaceful coexistence and value for lives are central to all those who value the future of Nigeria.The most important and long-lasting solution to the menace is the provision of good governance with the provision of the basic needs of the peoplein terms of shelter, housing, health, education, employment and infrastructure. Nigeriansand other stakeholders should know that we are all in jeopardy if nothing serious is done to stop the activities of deadly groups.The activities of these groups have been caused by several factors as identified by this study, and it is based on the activities and causes that the following recommendations were made: 1. There should be an application of appropriate sanctions on every perpetrator of these evil acts. 2. There should be fair and equal distribution of resources. 3. There should be diversification of economy for the creation of employment opportunities. 4. The youth should be equippedwith appropriate skills and training for entrepreneurial development. 5. The government should ensure that thebasic needs of the citizens are met. 6. There is a need to invest in improved agricultural production in order to make food available for the populace. 7. Education should be made free for all at least atprimary level, and more schools withquality facilities should be built. 8. There should be plans to settle internally displacedpersons with appropriate shelter. 9. The government should make every effort to deal with corruption and bad governance. 10. The government should seek international collaboration to fight against these vices.

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11. There is a need for effective re-orientation of the importance of social interaction irrespective of the religious and ethnicaffiliations. 12. Ranching method of cattle rearing should be adopted at rearing location across thecountry,and the herdsmen should be given adequate training needed for effective and efficientmanagement of the ranching. 13. The government should be firm in their policy formulation and implementation processes 14. There should be more structural development of the Niger Delta region by the government. They should clean up the environment damaged by oil spillage and gas flaring that has contaminated their water and air. 15. The convicted sponsors of the activities ofBoko Haram should be deprived of any public office in Nigeria. 16. The government should empower the security personnel with sophisticated weapons required to fight Boko Haram insurgency.

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Ignatius Nnaemeka Onwuatuegwu PhD. “Human life versus the Culture of Death:Kidnapping, Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmen ( A Case Study in Nigeria).” IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), 25(5), 2020, pp. 33-41.

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